Electromagnetic separator device



April 11, 1939- A. J. QUENEAU ELECTROMAGNETIC SEPARATOR DEVICE 5Sheets-Sheet 'l I Filed Jan. 16, 1957 INVENT OR.

w M M Q M E J M E L W M U A Mam ' April 11, 1939- A. 1.. J. QUENEAU I2,154,010

ELECTROMAGNETIC SEPARATOR DEVICE Filed Jan. 16, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet 3,INVENTORS ATTORNEYS AUGUSWNLEUWE/Vfid Patented Apr. 11, 1939 UNITEDSTATES PATENT OFFICE Bernardsville, N. J.

Application January 16, 1937, Serial No. 120,987

10 Claims. (01. 209-219) This invention relates to electromagneticseparator devices and is an improvement of the device described andclaimed in application Serial No. 745,116 filed September 22, 1934, byEdwin E.

5 Ellis and Augustin Leon Jean Queneau now Patent No. 2,088,364, datedJuly 27, 1937. The present applicant is one of the joint applicants ofthe said prior filed application.

The electromagnetic separator device described and claimed in said priorfiled application comprises a container, a pair of electromagnetic polesdisposed adjacent the outer surface of opposite side walls of saidcontainer, means to flow a suspension of materials under hydrostaticpressure through the container and through a. magnetic field extendingbetween'said poles, means to progressively move the magneticallyattracted par-' ticles of the suspension through the magnetic fieldalong the inner surface of said opposite side walls in the direction ofsuspension flow, and means to divert the thus moved magnetic particlesand a portion of the flowing suspension into channels of flow, separatefrom the flow of the main body of the suspension.

To facilitate the segregation of magnetic and nonmagnetic particles asthe suspension passes through the magnetic field, the suspension isdivided by a partition means into two channels of flow adjacent eachopposite side wall before entering the magnetic field and the twochannels of flow are directed along the inner surfaces of the oppositeside walls next adjacent the pole ends through the field to the zone ofmaximum field strength. Below this zone the two channels are merged intoone'channel of flow until the suspension passes out of the magneticfield at which point the suspension flowing next adjacent the innersurface of each of said opposite side walls is diverted into channels offlow separate from the main body of the suspension and carries therewiththe magnetically attracted particles being progressively moved along thesaid inner surfaces in the direction of suspension flow.

To accomplish the progressive movement of the magnetic particles alongthe inner surface of said opposite side walls, the magnetic poles areeach provided with rotatable cylindrical end pieces the peripheralsurfaces of which are provided with a plurality of spaced points orareas of relatively high magnetic flux concentration. By rotating thesesaid end pieces towards each other and in the direction of suspensionflow the magnetically attracted particles adjacent the inner surface ofsaid opposite side walls are progressively carried through the magneticfield beyond the zone of maximum field strength and to the point wherethey may enter the separate channels of flow provided therefor.

To further facilitate the segregation of magnetic and non-magneticparticles, it is proposed in the said prior filed application to providethe said opposite side walls with curved recesses into which thesaidrotatable pole ends may project, and by meansof partitions to flowthe suspension along the curved inner surfaces in two separate streamsthereby obtaining by centrifugal force a projection of the non-magneticparticles outwardly from the curved surface towards the center of themagnetic space gap between the poles. It is also proposed to dividethese two channels of flow into a plurality of parallel channels of flowalong said curved surface thereby limiting the mean free path ofmovement of the particles transversely to the direction of flow excepttowards the said inner surfaces.

exceptionally efficient and operative to magnetically separate evenweakly magnetic particles by the proper adjustment of field strength,rate of suspension flow, density of suspension, particle size of thematerials and the rate of revolution of the magnetic pole surfaces. Withany given material these factors may be widely varied without departurefrom the invention claimed. It is possible also with this arrangement tomake a. relatively fine or selective separation of magnetic particleswhere two or more constituents of relatively close magneticsusceptibilities are present in the suspension.

I have found, however, that the current consumption of the device andthe efiiciency of the same may be markedly lowered and increased,

respectively, by establishing throughout the suspension as it passestowards the zone of maximum field strength a plurality of paths ofrelatively high magnetic flux concentration through which the suspensionmust pass, the said parts being curved in a manner facilitating themovement of magnetic particles therealong to the inner surfaces of saidopposite walls. I have found that these paths of high flux concentrationmay be most easily established by replacing the above mentioned fins orguide members forming the side walls of the plurality of parallelchannels of flow through the magnetic field with similar-shaped finmembers comprised of magnetic material each of which is provided with aplurality of curved slots extending inwardly from the outer edge thereofalong a curved path which Such an arrangement may be most briefly iden-I tified as a .magnetic comb" as this appears to describe'the particularfunction which it performs in the separator device. Through the use ofthis magnetic comb I am enabled to work with suspensions of greaterdensity, and to pass the same at relatively higher hydrostatic pressuresor rates of flow through the device and at the same time employ magneticcurrents of relatively lower strengths than heretofore permissible evenin the separation of-wealrly magnetic materials.

It is believed that the edges of the curved slots (or the wires, whenused) provide surface areas for magnetic flux concentration thereby, ineffect, intensifying the magnetic attraction of the field acrosssubstantially the entire cross-sectional area of the space gap. Themagnetic particles, particularly those flowing downwardly along pathsmore remote from the pole face, accordingly will first be attractedtowards these points of higher field strength and then by the jointaction of the magnetic forces and hydrostatic pressures be moveddownwardly and towards the pole end in the curved path representative ofthe resultant of these forces as it may be modified or distorted byreason of suspension density and fiuid viscosity.

It is apparent that the combing effect on the suspension by theseslotted fins or wires as above described will increase normally withincrease in the number of such fins or wires. However, with any givenfield strength and with any given magnetic material in suspension thereis a practical limit to the total number to be employed to obtain thedesired increase in concentration of magnetic forces cross-sectionallythrough the gap. This may be appreciated by assuming that the suspensionof given density contains a given proportion of magnetic particleshaving a magnetic susceptibility X. X may represent, for example, arelatively low magnetic susceptibility. Upon flowing this suspensionthrough the magnetic gap having a given field strength Y using thenon-magnetic fins of the prior described application, the separation ofmagnetic particles may approximate Z%. By replacing these non-magneticfins with an equal number of slotted magnetic fins in accordance withthe present invention the separation may be increased, for example, to 2Z%. By doubling the number of slottedfins the separation may beincreased to 3- 2%, for example whereas with more than this number offins the recovery may drop sharply, due to the fact that theconcentration of magnetic lines of force on each fin thereby is loweredto the point where it is ineffective to function as a magnetic comb".This may be cured, for example, by increasing the field strength untilthe fiux concentration upon each slotted fin is sufilcient to serve thepurpose in view. Any variation in the density of the suspension and inthe rate of fiow of the suspension through the field also will markedlyinfluence the functioning of the magnetic comb" of the presentinvention.

Accordingly, with these factors in mind, I prefer to arbitrarily selectthe total number of such slotted fins provided and the'spacingtherebetween, and to thereafter adjust the density of the suspension,the rate of flow of the suspension through the magnetic gap, the fieldstrength and the rate of rotation of the pole surface, to obtain theoptimum separation with any given material.

. across the gap which is eilfective to obtain a separation of thematerial; with the more strongly magnetic materials I arbitrarily selecta lesser number of fins and may lower the flux density accordingly.

Another factor influencing this selection would be the particle size anddensity of suspension. The smaller the particle size and the denser thesuspension, in general, the greater the number of such slotted finswould be provided, in which event, it would be necessary to employ arelatively higher magnetic field strength. than with a suspension of thesame material having a lower density or having larger particle sizes orboth.

Referring now to the drawings, Fig. 1 is an. enlarged side elevationalview in section illustrating an electromagnetic separatordevice'improved in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is aperspective view of one specific embodiment of the magnetic comb"invention of this application; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of one partof said comb; Fig. 4 is a side elevation illustrating the completeassembly of elements including the present "magnetic comb inventioncomprising my improved separator device; Fig. 5 is a second view of thesame; Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of one form of the presentinvention; Fig. 7 illustrates a second specific embodiment of thepresent invention: and Fig. 8 is a side elevational view furtherillustrating the same.

Referring to the drawings, Figs. 1, 4 and 5, the various features of theinvention of said prior filed application modified in accordance withthe present invention may be noted. The container I is provided witharcuate recesses 2--2 in opposite side walls into which extend orproject rotatable pole ends 3 and 4. The flow of suspension through thecontainer I down to the zone of maximum field strength X--X is dividedinto two channels by partition member P'P comprised of non-magneticmaterial, which is arranged to divert the fiow of the suspension alongthe curved inner surface of recesses 2-2. The bottom portion P of thepartition extending to the zone of maximum field strength X--X is curvedinwardly substantially as indicated to limit the maximum .distance awayfrom the inner curved surfaces that any particle of the suspension maytravel and may be widely varied without departing from the nature andscope of the invention.

Extending from opposite sides of partition member P'-l= towards theinner surface of the side walls of container I containing recesses 2-2are provided a plurality of fin members 5 dividing the suspensionflowing along said walls into a plurality of substantially parallelpaths of fiow through the magnetic field down to the zone of maximumfield strength X-X thereby limiting the mean free path of motion of thesuspension particles in directions transverse to the direction of flowexcept towards the said inner surface.

Below the zone of maximum field strength X-X the two channels of flowmerge into one channel until at a point approximating that at whichthetsuspension leaves the magnetic field but varying with respect to themagnetic field strength and the'magnetic permeability of the materialbeing treated, the suspension flowing next adjacent the said oppositeside walls is diverted by adjustable gates GG into channels of flow c--cseparate from the main channel of flow S of the suspension.

The peripheral surface of each "rotating pole end is provided with aplurality of inserts M M comprised of material of relatively highmagnetic permeability extending the entire cylinder length of the poleend, thereby providing spaced points or areas of relatively high fluxconcentration operating upon rotation of the pole end to progressivelymove the magnetically attracted particles through the magneticfieldalong the inner surface of arcuate recesses 22 to the point wherethe magnetic field strength is insufficient to retain the particlesadjacent the surface and consequently become detached and enter theseparate channels of flow cc.

The improvement made by the present invention in the device of the priorfiled application resides in the provision of a magnetic comb throughwhich the s'uspensionfiows in its passage through the magnetic field tothe zone of maximum field strength X-X. This comb in its simplestdefinition consists of a plurality of paths of relatively high magneticfiux concentration extending throughout the cross-sectional area of gthe field traversed by the said suspension in its passage to the zone ofmaximum field strength I may obtain this result in a number of differentways. The preferred way is illustrated in Figs. 1, 4, 5 and 6, andillustrated in perspective in Figs. 2 and 3.. Figs; '7 and 8 illustratea modification of the same.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention I replace theheretofore provided fin members 5 on lower partition member P withsimilar shaped fin members 5' (Fig. 3) comprised of magnetic materialand provide in each fin member a plurality of slots 6 extending inwardlyfrom the outer edges thereof along a curved path normally opposite tothe direction of suspension flow. As it is preferable for these slots 6to extend substantially thefull width of the fin member to adjacent thesugaceof lower partition P defining the channel fiow of the suspension,I preferably modify this member substantially in the manner indicated inFigs. 2 and 3.

Lower partition member P in accordance with this specific embodiment iscomprised of a plurality of fin members assembled together in spacedrelation with non-magnetic spacer members I disposed therebetween'in anyconvenient .manner as by bolts 8. The assembly forming a lower partitionP? substantially identical to that heretofore employed except that theslotted magnetic fin members 5' are employed instead of non-magnetic finmembers. This assembly is attached as by bolt means 9 co-operating withappropriate openings in the bottom of member P and top of member P tothe bottom of upper partition member P. i

As indicated in Figs. 4, 5 and 6, the number of fin members 5' providedon partition P is approximately twice the number of fin members 5heretofore provided. The use of the fin members 5 on the upper partitionmember P is not absolutely essential and may be dispensed with ifdesired. The total number of fin members 5 provided may be varied widelywithout departing from the present .invention depending upon themagnetic field strength, the magnetic permeability of the materialtreated, the rate of flow, particle size and the like factors, ashereinabove indicated.

In the modification of the present invention indicated in Figs. 7 and 8the magnetic comb is comprised of a plurality of pin extensions [0extending outwardly from the partition surface .of lower partitionmember P each comprised of magnetic material and each curved in a mannersimilar to curved slots 6 in fin members 5'.

The particular curved path preferably imparted to slots 6 and pins l0may vary widely but should in the main represent some approximation ofthe resultant of the forces suspension fiow and magnetic attraction soas to impede as little as possible the normal movement of the magneticparticle towards the inner surfaces of. curved recesses 2-2. If desired,a combination of slotted fin members 5 and pin extensions I!) may beemployed where it is desired to retain the advantages of a plurality ofparallel channels of flow through the magnetic field to the zone ofmaximum field strength.

Depending partition II is provided on'lower partition member P toprovide means to vary the length of the said partition P to therebyextend the partition to a desired distance above or below the zone ofmaximum field strength X-X.

From the above description and drawings describing and illustrating thepresent invention it is apparent that many modifications may be icluding means to flow a suspension of materials under hydrostaticpressure through an electromagnetic field projected through thesuspension transversely to the direction of suspension flow and means toprogressively move the magnetically attracted particles in the directionof suspension flow thrcugh'the said field and out of the same intochannels of flow separate from the channel of flow of the main body ofsaid suspension after leaving the said field, a magnetic comb devicedisposed in said magnetic field above the zone of maximum field strengththrough which the said suspension is flowed in passing to the zone ofmaximum field strength, said comb being formed to provide a plurality ofpaths of relatively high magnetic flux concentration in spaced relationin the direction of suspension flow, each said path extending throughoutthe cross-sectional area of said field traversed by the said suspensionin passing towards the zone of maximum field strength and each said pathbeing curved in the direction toward the zone of maximum field strengthand toward the magnetic poles inducing said magnetic field.

2., In an electromagnetic separator device ineluding means to flow a.suspension of materials under hydrostatic pressure through anelectromagnetic field of progressively increasing field strength andmeans;to progressively move the magnetically attracted particles in thedirection of suspension flow through the said field and into separatechannels of flow from the main body of said suspension after leaving thesaid field, a magnetic comb device disposed in said magnetic fieldthrough which the said suspension is flowed in passing to the zone ofmaximum field strength, said comb being comprised of a plurality ofplates comprised of magnetic material sustained in spaced relationedgewise to the flow of suspension, each plate having the edges adjacentthe magnetic poles generating the said field shaped to provide aplurality of curved paths of relatively high flux concentration directedtowards the magnetic poles and towards the zone of maximum fieldstrength.

3. In an electromagnetic separator device, a container, 8. pair ofelectromagnetic poles disposed adjacent opposite side walls of saidcontainer adapted to project a magnetic field therebetween through a'portion of said container, means to flow a suspension of-materials underhydrostatic pressure through said container, and through said fieldmeans to progressively move the magnetically attracted particles alongthe inner surfaces of said opposite side walls in the direction ofsuspension flow and out of the magnetic field between said poles, meansto divert said magnetic particles and a portion of said suspension intochannels of flow separate from the main body of said suspension as thesaid magnetic particles pass out of said field, and a magnetic combdevice disposed in said container in the area covered by said field,said comb being formed of a plurality of plates comprised of magneticmaterial located in spaced relation edgewise to the suspension fiow, theedges of each said plate next adjacent the said magnetic poles being cutaway to provide a plurality of curved paths of relatively high fluxconcentration operating to direct magnetic particles in a curved pathtowards the said magnetic poles as said particles flow towards the zoneof maximum field strength.

4. An electromagnetic separator device comprising a substantiallyrectangular container, a pair of electromagnetic poles disposed adjacentthe exterior surface of opposite side walls of said container, rotatablecylindrical end pieces for said poles disposed next adjacent said sidewalls the peripheral surface thereof being provided with a plurality ofspaced points of relatively high magnetic flux concentration, means toflow a suspension of materials through said container and between saidpole ends, means to establish a magnetic field of desired intensitybetween said pole ends, means to divert the suspension fiowing nextadjacent the inner surfaces of said opposite side walls into channels of-fiow separate from the main flow of said suspension at a point wherethe suspension leaves said magnetic field, and a magnetic comb deviceextending across the inside of the container in the area traversed bysaid magnetic field, said device providing a plurality of paths ofconcentrated magnetic flux leading towards the inner surfaces of saidopposite side walls along which the magnetic particles of saidsuspensions are directed in passing through the field to the zone ofmaximum fiux concentration.

5. An electromagnetic separator device comprising a substantiallyrectangular container, a pair of electromagnetic poles disposed adjacentthe exterior surface of opposite side walls of said container, rotatablecylindrical end pieces for said poles disposed next adjacent said sidewalls the peripheral surface thereof being provided with a plurality ofspaced points of relatively high magnetic flux concentration, means tofiow a suspension of materials through said container and between saidpole ends, means to establish a magnetic field of desired intensitybetween said pole ends, means to divert the suspension flowing nextadjacent the inner surfaces of said opposite side walls into channels offlow separate from the main flow of said suspension at a point where thesuspension leaves said magnetic field, and a magnetic comb deviceextending across the inside of the container in the area traversed bysaid magnetic field, said device comprising a plurality of spaced finmembers comprised of magnetic material providing a plurality of separatechannels of flow for the suspension through the said container each ofsaid fin members being provided with a plurality of slots extending fora distance inwardly from the edges thereof and in a direction oppositeto the direction of flow along a curved line representing substantiallythe re sultant of the forces magnetic attraction and rate of flow ofsaid suspension.

6. An electromagnetic separator device comprising a substantiallyrectangular container, a

pair of electromagnetic poles disposed adjacent the exterior surface ofopposite side walls of said container, rotatable cylindrical end piecesfor said poles disposed next adjacent said side walls the peripheralsurface thereof being provided with a plurality of spaced points ofrelatively high magnetic flux concentration, means to flow a suspensionof materials through said container and between said pole ends, means toestablish a magnetic field of desired intensity between said pole ends,means to divert the suspension flowing next adjacent the inner surfacesof said opposite side walls into channels of flow separate from the mainflow of said suspension at a point where the suslknsion leaves saidmagnetic field, and a magnetic comb device extending across the insideof the container in the area traversed by said magnetic field, saiddevice comprising a partition member dividing the suspension into twoseparate channels of flow adjacent said opposite side walls and aplurality of spaced fin members radiating outwardly from said partitiontowards said side walls substantially dividing said two separatechannels of flow into a plurality of parallel flowing streams, each ofsaid fin members being provided with a plurality of slots extendinginwardly from the outer edges thereof towards said partition memberalong a curved path opposite to the direction of flow representingsubstantially the resultant of the forces mag netic attraction and rateof flow of said suspension.

7. An electromagnetic separator device comprising a substantiallyrectangular container, a pair of electromagnetic poles disposed adjac atthe exterior surface of opposite side walls of said container, rotatablecylindrical end pieces for said poles disposed next adjacent said sidewalls the peripheral surface thereof being provided with a plurality ofspaced points of relatively high magnetic flux concentration, means toflow a suspension of materials through saidcontainer and between saidpole ends, means to establish a magnetic field oi desired intensitybetween said pole ends, means to divert the suss pension fiowing nextadjacent the inner surfaces of said opposite side walls into channels offlow separate from the main flow of said suspension at a point where thesuspension leaves said magnetic field, and a magnetic comb deviceextending across the inside of the container in the area traversed bysaid magnetic field, said device com prising a partition member dividingthe suspension flow into two separate channels adjacent said oppositeside walls in the area at least above i the zone of maximum. fieldstrength "between said poles, said partition member being provided witha plurality of magnetic extension members providing a plurality of pathsof relatively high magnetic flux concentration through which saidsuspension must pass in flowing to the zone of maximum field strength,said paths being curved in the direction of suspension flow towards saidopposite side walls along a line substantially representing theresultant of the two forces magnetic attraction and rate of flow.

8. A magnetic comb device comprising in combination, a pair of spacedelectromagnetic poles having rotatable pole ends, a partition member ofnon-magneticmaterial dividing the space gap between said pole ends and aplurality of extension members comprised of magnetic materiai radiatingfrom said partition member in a curved path towards said pole ends andtowards the zone of maximum field strength providing a plurality ofpaths of higher flux concentration cross-sectionally throughout saidspace gap at least in the area above the zone of maximum field strength.

9. A magnetic comb device comprising in combination, a pair of spacedelectromagnetic poles having rotatable pole ends, a partition member ofnon-magnetic terial the space gap between said pole ends intoapproximately equal areas and a plurality of fin members comprised ofmagnetic material radiating in spaced relation edgewise from saidpartition member towards said pole ends each of said fin members beingprovided with aplurality of slots extending inwardly from the outer edgethereof providing a plurality of curved paths of higher fluxconcentration cross-sectionally throughout said space gap towardsthesaid pole ends and towards the zone of maximum field strength atleast in the area above the zone of maximum. field strength.

i 10. A magnetic comb device comprising in combination, a pair of spacedelectromagnetic poles having rotatable pole ends, a partition member ofnon-magnetic material dividing the space gap between said pole ends intoapproxi-- mately equal areas and a plurality of pin extension memberscomprised of magnetic material radiating from. said partition member ina curved path towards said pole ends towards the zone of maximum'fieldstrength providing a plurality of paths of high flux concentrationcrosssectionally throughout said space gap at least in the area abovethe zone of maximum field strength.

AUGUSTIN LEON JEAN QUENEAU.

